Volume 7 Issue 6

June 2005

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Next Meeting: : June 9 Next Meeting: : June 9 Next Meeting: : June 9 ththth, 2005, 2005, 2005 The next monthly meeting of the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. will be Thursday, June 9 th, at the Peters Township Library, 616 East McMurray Road, McMurray, starting at 7:00 PM.

Field Day, and other plans for the remainder of the year are on the agenda.

Talk-in on the 146.955(-) N3RNX/R and 443.650(+) KB3FZU/R Repeaters (131.8 PL). All members, guests and interested parties invited!

Amateur Radio Calendar 2 WASH Club News 3 Meeting Minutes 4 More Hamvention Pictures 5

A New, Ham Friendly BPL? 6 DX News Briefs 8 FCC News 9 Hamfest Announcements 10

Inside this issue:

WASHRAG N3SH

WA3SH NP2SH/B

TM

www.washarc.org

The WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS was well represented again this year at the 2005 Dayton Hamvention. In many respects, this year’s event was down from previous years. The attendance was noticeably off from previous years (official numbers have y et to be released, but any announced attendance figures over 20,000 should be considered suspect). The flea market was no greater than half filled for the bulk of the event. There were many empty indoor vendor booths, and many more areas where booths were not even set up. The traditional two main forum rooms, like last year, were not set up — and two major Saturday forums decided on their own to meet downtown at the Crowne Plaza hotel instead of at Hamvention, also affecting the crowd at the HARA Arena. And can someone explain what ICOM had in mind by dressing up teenage girls in pink fuzzy bathrobes, slippers, and PJ’s and having them hand out bumper stickers and hygiene kits? On the plus side, as part of the 2005 National Conventioin, the ARRL held an Expo in the former forum space, and they report record crowds for their attempt to bring ARRL HQ to Hamvention, which gave many a first chance to see HQ in action. Despite the problems, most of those going spent too much money (as usual) and a good time was had by all! Thanks again to Greg KQ3DX for all his efforts in organizing our room arrangements at the University of Dayton.

WASH WASH at Hamvention at Hamvention Some have been asking about the Field Day site in Mingo Park. I uploaded pictures I took of the site during a recent visit to the club's yahoo site (they can be found

at http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/n3sh/lst). listed above. Ted Huf, Jim Sanford, and others have indicated interest in seeing the site for themselves. I can be available for a visit on Saturday morning, June 4th if you can wait that long.

Details of Field Day will be discussed at the next club meeting so if you plan to participate, the next meeting is the one you want to attend.

See you there!

— 73, Kevin Smith N3HKQ, President, Wireless Association of South Hills, Inc.

N3SH / WA3SH / NP2SH/b

Presidential WordsPresidential Words

“Could it be? A picture of N3KFD without any food?”

KB3GMU, KB3FZU, N3IDH, N3KFD & NØVLR in the flea market at the

HARA Arena. Caption and photo courtesy of &

©2005 Paul Lusardi NØVLR

WASH FM Net 9:00 PM ET Sunday Nights on the 146.955 and 443.650 Repeaters NCS Schedule Listed On Page 3

Want to volunteer to be a Net Control Station? Please contact FM Net Manager Kevin N3HKQ for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD:

• North Hills ARC Hamfest July 10

• Pgh. Vintage Grand Prix July 16th & 17th

• Somerset Co. ARC Hamfest July 17th

• Skyview RS Swap & Shop August 28th

• Uniontown ARC W3PIE Gabfest September 3rd

• Butler Co ARA Hamfest September 11th

• MidAtlantic VHF Conference September 24th

• PA QSO Party Oct. 8th & 9th

• WACOM Hamfest November 6th

Page 2 WIRELESS ASSOCIATION O F S O U T H H I L L S

WASH 2005 OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: President Kevin Smith N3HKQ VP / Secretary Steve Lane W3SRL VP / Treasurer Mark Stabryla N3RDV AND WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT: N3SH / WA3SH Trustee Steve Lane W3SRL NP2SH Trustee Paul Jordan NP2JF N3SH / WA3SH QSL Manager Paul Lusardi NØVLR NP2SH QSL Manager Ed Oelschlager N3ZNI VE Team Liaison Jacqué Gosselin N3ZEL Webmaster Bob Sanford AA3FI Quartermaster Harold Rosenberger KB3CPI WASH FM Net Manager Kevin Smith N3HKQ WASHFest 2006 Committee Steve Lane W3SRL, Chairman Carol Danko KB3GMN Bill Hill W3WH Kevin Smith N3HKQ Activities & Operating Events Larry Comden K3VX Ted Huf W4ZE Ways & Means Carol Danko KB3GMN Media Communications Kevin DeRose N3KFD Allegheny Co ARES Representative Ben Williams KB3ERQ CLUB-AFFILIATED REPEATERS & BEACONS: Mt. Lebanon N3RNX/R 146.955 MHz (–) PL 131.8 Mt. Lebanon W3SRL/R 442.550 MHz (+) PL 131.8 Echo Link #26861 (courtesy W3SRL) Canonsburg KB3FZU/R 443.650 MHz (+) PL 131.8 St. Johns, VI NP2SH/B 28.276 MHz

N3SH/WA3SH WASHNet, the weekly on-air net of WASH, meets every Sunday Night, 9:00 PM ET, on the 146.955 & 443.650 repeaters. All radio amateurs, WASH members or not, are welcome to join in!

“The WASHRag™” (formerly “The Mariner ™”) is the Official Newsletter of the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. (WASH) Published Monthly with occasional Special Editions as warranted. This issue is © Copyright 2005 by the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. Editor & Publisher: Ron Notarius WN3VAW Permission is granted to other Amateur Radio publications to reprint articles in this issue, provided the original author and “The WASHRag™” are given credit. Comments, articles, and requests for copies of or information about “The WASHRag™” should be mailed to the editor:

Ron Notarius WN3VAW 946 Sleepy Hollow Road

Castle Shannon, PA 15234-2222 e-mail: wn3vaw @ njdxa . org or wn3vaw @ yahoo . com

“The WASHRag”, “The Mariner”, SHARCfest, South Hills Hamfest, WASHfest, WASHfest 2005, N3SH Net, WA3SH Net and WASHNet are TM trademarks of the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.

The WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. was founded on August 23rd, 1993, as the original SOUTH HILLS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, and operated under that name through 1998. WASH was also known briefly in late 1998 as the N3SH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB. It is not in any way affiliated with the “South Hills Amateur Radio Club, Inc.” and is not responsible for that group, it’s members, or it’s actions in any way, shape, or form.

As always, special thanks to the owners of both the N3RNX/R Repeater System and the KB3FZU/R Repeater System for permitting the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. and it’s members to use their repeaters for club purposes. Special thanks also to our webmaster, Bob Sanford AA3FI, and to Shawn Djernes NØPEU for providing space on-line for back issues of “The WASHRag™” which can be found at www.washarc.org or www.djernes.org/washrag

THE LEGAL S TUFF

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Uniontown ARC Meeting Steel City ARC Social Night Allegheny Co SKYWarn Net Allegheny Co ARES Net

2 WACOM Meeting RA Erie Meeting Uniontown ARC Net

3 Elco ARS Meeting

4 Bentleyville Charity Walk Vintage Field Day RA Erie VE Test Somerset Co ARC Breakfast North Hills ARC Elmer Net

5 Ellwood City ARA Meeting QCWA Pittsburgh Net North Hills ARC Teen Net Somerset Co ARC Net WASH FM Net

6 Breezeshooters Net 2 Rivers ARC Net Triple ’A’ ARC Net Beaver Co Public Service Net

7 Butler Co ARA Meeting Skyview RS Meeting WACOM Net North Hills ARC Net SATERN Net GPVHFS Swap ‘n’ Shop Net

8 North Hills ARC Meeting Butler Co PSG Meeting Laurel Highlands VHFS Mtng Steel City ARC Social Night Allegheny Co ARES Net Westmoreland Co ARES Net

9

Horseshoe ARC Meeting Beaver Valley ARA Meeting Uniontown ARC Net

10 11 ARRL VHF Contest 2 Rivers ARC Breakfast North Hills ARC Breakfast Foothills ARC Breakfast Quad Co ARC Breakfast Nittany ARC C offee Call North Hills ARC Elmer Net

12 ARRL VHF Contest QCWA Pittsburgh Net North Hills ARC Teen Net Somerset Co ARC Net WASH FM Net

13 Bum of the Month Lunch

ARL Lawrence Co Meeting Breezeshooters Net 2 Rivers ARC Net Triple ’A’ ARC Net Beaver Co Public Service Net

14 Foothills ARC Meeting Coke Center ARC Meeting Ft.Venango M&KC Meeting Nittany ARC Meeting Punxsatawney Area ARC Mtng North Hills ARC Net WACOM Net SATERN Net

15 Huntington Co ARC Meeting Allegheny Co SKYWarn Net Allegheny Co ARES Net

16 Triple “A” ARA Meeting Somerset Co ARC Meeting Greene Co ARC Meeting Uniontown ARC Net

17 Quad Co ARC Meeting

18 North Hills ARC Elmer Net

19 Father’s Day Elk Co ARC Meeting QCWA Pittsburgh Net North Hills ARC Teen Net Somerset Co ARC Net WASH FM Net

20 Monessen ARC Meeting Breezeshooters Net Steel City ARC VE Test 2 Rivers ARC Net Triple ’A’ ARC Net Beaver Co Public Service Net

21 Steel City ARC Meeting 2 Rivers ARC Meeting S H B P & M Meeting Tri-County CW ARC Meeting Juniata Valley ARC Meeting Chestnut Ridge ARC Meeting Pymatuning ARC Meeting North Hills ARC Net

22 NHARC Activity Night Ft. Armstrong WA Meeting Steel City ARC Social Night Allegheny Co ARES Net Westmoreland Co ARES Net

23 Uniontown ARC Net

24 25 Nittany ARC Coffee Call North Hills ARC Elmer Net

26 QCWA Pittsburgh Net North Hills ARC Teen Net Somerset Co ARC Net WASH FM Net

27 Breezeshooters Net 2 Rivers ARC Net Triple ’A’ ARC Net Beaver Co Public Service Net

28 2 Rivers ARC VE Exam Mercer Co ARA Meeting WACOM Net North Hills ARC Net SATERN Net GPVHFS Swap ‘n’ Shop Net

29 NHARC Activity Night Ft. Armstrong WA Meeting Steel City ARC Social Night Allegheny Co ARES Net Westmoreland Co ARES Net

30 ACOM Board of Directors

Meeting Uniontown ARC Net

7/1 Elco ARS Meeting

7/2 RA Erie VE Test North Hills ARC Elmer Net

June 2005

WASH Breakfast

WASH Meeting

ARRL Field Day

ARRL Field Day

Breezeshooter’s Hamfest ARRL VHF Contest

ARRL VHF Contest ARRL Kid’s Day

WASH Amateur Radio Club News BriefsWASH Amateur Radio Club News Briefs

A CHARITY WALK will be

held in Bentleyville on

June 4th. WACOM has been asked to

provide communica-tions for this event; WASH members who are available are asked to join in and

lend a hand. This is great experience, a

chance to help with a

worthy cause, and good public

relations for Amateur Radio. Contact Jacqué

N3ZEL for more info.

Page 3 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6

Next WASH VE Test July 21 st The Next WASH VE exam sessions will be Thursday, July 21st, 2005, 6:30 PM, at the Peters Township Library, 616 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA. Talk-in on the 146.955 MHz and 443.650 MHz repeaters. All examiners are ARRL VEC affiliated. Walk-ins are always welcome, but if you plan on attending the test session, please contact VE Team Liason Jacqué Gosselin N3ZEL: Telephone (724) 746-9235 or E-Mail: n3zel@fyi.net Please bring the following to your test session: Picture ID or other suitable identification (2 forms of ID required) Pen / Pencil / Calculator Original FCC license plus a copy of license (if upgrading) Original CSCE plus a copy of CSCE (if upgrading) Check or Cash in the amount of $14.00 (payable to: ARRL VEC) Thursday, October 20th, 2005 Future test dates: Thursday, January 19th, 2006 (tentative) Thursday, April 20th, 2006 Thursday, July 20th, 2005

Join WASH or Renew your Membership for 2005 Today ! Membership Application on Page 11 !

06/05 — Frank KB3FZU 06/12 — Paul NØVLR

06/19 — Hank KB3FNM

WASHNet 2005 NCS Schedule

A wet start to the Memorial Day Weekend brought the gathering of the faithful as the WASH Breakfast Gang for the last time to the The Starting Line Café, Route 19 near Race Track Road north of Washington on May 28th . (More on that in a moment). Attending this month were N3ZNI, W9UK, W4ZE, KB3CPI, N3ZEL, WE3K, N3IDH, N3LKR, N3MDP, KB3FZU, KB3GMU, KD3DK and WN3VAW. Subjects of the morning included roof mounted antennas, dog grooming, Kenwood repair sources, Hamvention pictures, knee surgery & “the good drugs,” WiFi hot spots, Radon hot spots, coal seams and mine subsidence insurance, Mineral Beach, buried waste, I-70 traffic jams, “flashy” badges (“this space for rent”), LDG tuners, printing costs, Robin eggs, and Grape Sunshine... and a ton more stuff, too.

So if you think you’re missing out on something — you are — why not join us at the next Club Breakfast? The site for the June 25th breakfast has not yet been determined, but it will be somewhere in the vicinity of the Field Day site at Mingo Park — or at least a short drive to it. The July 30th breakfast will be in a “new” location, the back room of The Country Fixin’s, on Route 980 in Cecil, just on the other side of Canonsburg. See you there!

Why the change in the Washington-area breakfast location? Well, there’s no polite way to put this, but there have been three incidents in a row at The Starting Line Café. Tthe service was at a glacial pace — it is very frustrating to wait a long time to order, a longer time to be served, and watch others be seated, order, served, and be on their way while you’re still waiting for your meal. When someone has to tell the staff that they need to leave in 10 minutes for a meeting and that they’re going to stop for fast-food on the way… anyway, the group cons ensus was that it was time to try another location, and since we’d been to The Country Fixin’s once before (when the SLC was loc ked because no one had shown up with the keys!), it seemed the logical choice.

It would actually be nice to find a small place roughly centrally located that we could hold all of our breakfasts in, with a back room or a group seating area, but outside of a chain restaurant, no such luck. Anyone know of a place? Let us all in on the secret!

On the mend: Jack N3FZ and Don N3RHT are back home and now recovering from some serious medical issues. Don’s back at work, and Jack’s still at home recovering a little. Hope all stays well with you both!

You’ve been warned: Once again, Ye Editor is lacking club news for the column here! Fortunately, this gives us space this month for a picture of the semi-infamous Dayton 2005 ICOM Girls… but next month, who knows?

Photo by Clyde McPhail, courtesy of & Copyright ©2005 www.hamsexy.com, who captioned the photo by saying “ICOM’s on the right track using pretty girls to promote their line, but I’m not sure that using underage-looking girls in bathrobes and PJs is really the wisest promotional tool. It’s a little creepy, to tell you the truth.”

UPDATE: WASH Picnic at the

Breezeshooter’s Hamfest

Here is the last-minute list of who has committed to bringing what to the picnic. Please feel free to bring along anything additional you think we might need!

Remember, the picnic starts around 11:30 AM in the WASH area (for details, see Page 10), which should be by the Grandstand along the fence line out in the flea-market:

• Burgers & Dogs — Dan KB3HVN • 2 Tents, Coleman Stove – Dan KB3HVN • Buns – Larry K3VX • Cookies – Don N3RHT • Charcoal – Ron WN3VAW • Plasticware – Kevin N3KFD • Paperware – Ted WN3BOJ • Grill – Carol KB3GMN • Ice, Diet Coke – N3ZEL N3ZNI • Ice – N3RDV • Diet Pop – W3WH.

Stanley Serowik, father of Mike Serowik N3BSQ, May 26th

Silent Keys

Page 4 WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS

Minutes, May 12 th Meeting Frank Bobro KB3FZU, Acting Secretary, WASH

Meeting was called to order at 19:06 hours by, Mark, N3RDV. There were 20 members & guests present.

A moment of silence was observed for recent silent keys and other deserving persons.

Introductions were then made all around, as is our custom.

A motion was made to accept the minutes of the April meeting, as published in the newsletter was made by Bill, W3WH, and seconded by Bob, W3RJM. It was voted on and carried.

Committee Reports:

Treasurer (N3RDV): Mark gave the Treasurers report on the club’s finances.

Secretary (W3SRL): No Report

VE Report (N3ZEL): No candidates were at the last VE session. The next one is scheduled for the third Thursday of July.

Repeaters (KB3FZU): The repeaters are repeating.

FM Net Report (N3HKQ): Assignments are posted through the end of June.

Activities: A Club picnic is planned for Breezeshooters. It will be in the usual location. We will light the grills at around 11:15 AM; the cooking begins at 11:30 AM. Please bring a desert or side dish to share with everyone. This is a closed picnic for club members and invited guests only.

A motion was made by Mark, N3RDV, to buy $60 in Breezeshooters raffle tickets. Bill, W3WH, seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Public Service (N3RDV): In April there is the rac e for the cure. The 1st week of June is the Senior Olympics.

Contests (K3VX): Mid Atlantic QSO party is this weekend. Discussion of the abbreviations and rules were discussed.

Field Day: Larry, K3VX, reported that a crew went out to Mingo Park to survey the Field Day site. A map was presented to the club outlining the site detailed and possible antenna and operating stations. The Boy Scouts will also be present at the site to operate the GOTA station.

Dayton: The club voted to buy a second set of band pass filters and two SGC-239 automatic tuners at Dayton. If anyone else would be interested in purchasing a tuner see Bill, W3WH, as he is trying to arrange a bulk discount. Ted, W4ZE, motioned and Ed, N3ZNI, seconded, to buy a 1000 foot roll of Dacron rope or a likely substitute.

Newsletter (WN3VAW): The May newsletter is out. June will be out prior to Breezeshooters. Please send pictures & other materials to Ron.

Ways & Means (KB3GMN): 50/50 after the meeting.

President’s Report: Mark, N3RDV, reported that Jim, WB4GCS, and Kevin, N3HKQ, will have an AMSAT table at Breezeshooters Hamfest.

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

Good of the order: Jim, WO3Z, - Please give him a call he needs assistance with a tower raising. He is in the Eighty Four area.

If anyone is interested in experimenting with the “Hands on Radio” ARRL lessons column written by NØAX. Please see Larry, K3VX.

Ed, N3ZNI, another batch of cards came in from the bureau for NP3SH.

Motion to adjourn: Made by Bill, W3WH and seconded by Carol, KB3GMN and carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 20:15.

Monthly Monthly WASH WASH BreakfastBreakfast Please join us for the next WASH Breakfast! We usually get together on

the LAST Saturday of every month for a chance to informally sit down, shoot the breeze, compare notes, drink lots of

coffee, and just have a good time! We alternate our breakfast locations every month to make it

easier for club members to get to at least one of them:

Join us in June near the Field Day site (breakfast location to be announced), and in July at The Country Fixin’s, on

Route 980 in Cecil, just on the other side of Canonsburg. Start time is about 8 AM until ???? Monitor 146.955 & 443.650 for talk-in

or any last minute changes. All are welcome, WASH members or not, amateurs or not!

Larry K3VX making some adjustments during the N3SH/m expedition during the 2005 Mid-Atlantic QSO Party

Photo courtesy of and ©Copyright 2005 Bill Hill W3WH

Every month we’re going to feature a WASH club member, something about them, something they’re involved in or a club-related activity that we’re involved in, in the WASH Spotlight. Submissions for the Spotlight should be sent to Ron WN3VAW at wn3vaw @ njdxa . org

WASH WASH Spotlight: MAQPSpotlight: MAQP

AA3FI AA3JS K3JDS K3LGM K3VX KA3NMG KA3TWI KB3CPI KB3DCO KB3FNM KB3FZU KB3GMN KB3GMP KB3GMU KB3GUZ KB3HVN KB3IAC KB3IRQ KB3IVW KB3IVX KB3KGP KB3KOT KB3LIX KC4WTT

Wireless Association of South Hills Membership

KE7FD KE8RN NØPEU NØVLR NØWPV N2QIV N3AWF N3BSQ N3DFK N3HKQ N3IDH N3PN N3QMV N3RDV N3RHT N3RNX N3SBF N3TBK N3VEH N3XI

N3ZCG N3ZEL N3ZNI W3GEL W3HND W3JAF W3RJM W3RWS W3VFA W3WH W4ZE W8LEV WA3JPP WA3RVD WB4GCS WN3VAW WO3Z

AB3AB K3BZW K3OL K3PCF K9LZ KA3PPH KA3UPY KA3WZO KA3YTS KB3ERQ KB3GMO KB3HFP KB3ICC KB3IJX KB3QX KC2JJB KC6VLV KE3XB N3CZZ N3FZ

N3INT N3KFD N3UE N3XFE N3YPB N3YQY N3ZEG N3ZEH N4MIS NP2JF N8DPW W3SRL W3VE W8LEV WB3BPH WB3GTL WN3BOJ

Through May 6th, 2005 List complied by

Mark Stabryla N3RDV, Vice President/Treasurer

Silent Keys

K3EED KB3ENX KB3FQT N3KEH N3OBD N3SKR N3SRC W3ZLK

Color Codes: 2005 Member 2004 Member 2003 Member 2002 Member

(2001 and earlier

members no longer

displayed)

Back Issues of the WASHRag can be found on the web at:

www.djernes.org/washrag Thanks Again to Shawn N ØØPEU for

providing the site!

Page 5 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6

More Hamvention 2005 Photos!

Above: Sitting around discussing the day, back at the suite… Photos courtesy of and Copyright ©2005 Frank Bobro KB3FZU

Above, Left & Right: The Gang Saturday at the HARA

Arena. Photos courtesy of and

Copyright ©2005 Kevin Smith N3HKQ

ARRL & US Power Squadrons Sign Memorandum Of Understanding ARRL Web Extra courtesy of the American Radio Relay League

The ARRL and the United States Power Squadrons (USPS), a national boating and educational organization, will formally ratify a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 4. The MoU spells out areas where the two organizations can work together in educational activities of overlapping or mutual interest to their respective memberships.

"ARRL and USPS have long and distinguished histories, both dating back to 1914, but both organizations have their focus on the future," said ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ. "It is a pleasure to be working together." Sumner signed the MoU on behalf of the League, while Chief Commander G. Leslie Johnson signed for the USPS.

Among other things, the MoU calls for the League and USPS to assist each other in marketing, developing and promoting educational materials specific to the dual interests of the recreational boater and the Amateur Radio operator. In addition, the two organizations have agreed to collaborate in the development and distribution of promotional materials and to develop products to serve boaters who are also Amateur Radio licensees.

With a mission of promoting safe boating through education, USPS —"America's Boating Club" — has more than 50,000 members organized into 450 squadrons across the continental US, the Virgin Is lands, Puerto Rico and Japan. Local squadrons offer public boating safety courses on a regular basis.

Successfully completing a USPS boating course qualifies boaters to meet the educational requirement for boat licensing and operation in most states.

It's also a requirement to become a local Power Squadron member.

Organized in 1914 as a non-profit boating organization, USPS is a w orld leader in speaking out for and promoting the needs of all recreational boaters. USPS teaches classes in seamanship and navigation to help our members improve their boating skills, confidence and performance on the water. In addition, through a cooperative program with the US Coast Guard,

Newington, CT, May 23rd, 2005 — ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, announced today that "The ARRL is pleased to hear Motorola's announcement of its Powerline LV system. This is the first Access Broadband over Power Line (BPL) system that has been designed from the start with radio interference concerns in mind."

Motorola's Powerline LV system avoids using the medium-voltage (MV) power lines and introduces broadband signals only on the low -voltage (LV) side of the power transformer. This greatly reduces the potential for interference to and from radio users, especially radio amateurs. ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner commented, "We know that medium-voltage (MV) power lines are no place for broadband energy, since there is overwhelming technical evidence that radio interference from BPL is unavoidable if MV lines are used. By confining their Access BPL system to LV lines and by adding hardware notch filters for additional protection to amateur radio frequency allocations, Motorola has addressed our interference concerns."

While sometimes pictured by BPL proponents as opposing all BPL

Page 6 WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS

squadron members conduct vessel safety checks to make sure boaters have all Coast Guard-required equipment aboard.

"This is a great way to introduce boating education to the thousands of ARRL members," said Don Stark N3HOW, a ham radio operator and USPS member. "Many hams are also boaters and see the value of continuing boating education. The USPS advanced and elective courses are a natural for this kind of study."

Stark says USPS on-the-water events often are coordinated using Amateur Radio, so the match of boating and Amateur Radio operations is a good fit.

"It's also a great way to introduce boaters to Amateur Radio," said ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP. "Time and again hams have shown that Amateur Radio gets emergency messages through when other systems fail or are overloaded. The ability to have such a resource on board would make any skipper safer and better able to render aid if needed."

A new Amateur Radio Learning Guide for boaters — a cooperative effort by USPS and ARRL — has just been released. The publication will be available from USPS and ARRL as well as through major book retailers. "This new publication is a great reference for anyone interested in ham radio operation, ashore or on the water," said Darrell Allison of USPS. He cited GPS, APRS, radar and marine electronics among the common interests between hams and boaters.

US Power Squadrons representatives were a part of ARRL EXPO 2005 at Dayton Hamvention in May. A copy of the MoU is available on the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/mou/ARRLmouUSPS.pdf.

The USPS/CPS Amateur Radio Net meets Saturdays, 1700 UTC, on 14.287 MHz. A once-a-month 10-meter net takes place on the first Saturday of each month at 1800 UTC on 28.357 MHz.

Hams Encouraged by Motorola’s New “Powerline LV” BPL SystemHams Encouraged by Motorola’s New “Powerline LV” BPL System ARRL Web Extra courtesy of the American Radio Relay League

implementation, the ARRL has always maintained that radio amateur "hams" are not interested in blocking new technology but are justifiably concerned about pollution of the radio spectrum. Significant interference has been documented at numerous sites where other BPL systems are being tested, and other BPL developers have been unwilling to share information about their systems. By contrast, Motorola invited ARRL's suggestions and welcomed its input during product development.

Sumner concluded, "We look forw ard to seeing the first Powerline LV system in operation, and to continuing to work with Motorola to ensure that their new product is indeed the first BPL system that is a solution, not a problem."

There are approximately 670,000 Amateur Radio operators in the United States. Many other countries are watching events unfold in the US as they plan their own BPL systems.

There are approximately 2.5 million Amateur Radio operators around the world. If the new Motorola system lives up to its initial promise in actual deployment, this new "shortwave-friendly" system will have many advocates.

WASH Apparel Updates! Dan KB3HVN & OGS Distributing are continuing to

work on the upcoming web page link to permit WASH club members to order shirts, jackets, hats, and

whatever direct from the club web page.

For more information, contact Dan & OGS Distributing at 412-655-8787

Contest Operators Wanted! “We have a few openings for ops during the CQ WW SSB contest in Grenada - J3A. Pile up experience preferred but any reasonable contest experience will be considered. One can build pile up running experience before the contest. There will be extensive setup and possibility equipment and antenna and rotator repair needed. Anticipated dates are arrival on Tuesday, October 25 and leave on Tuesday, Nov. 1. You may stay longer if desired.” For more details, contact Harry AC8G/J37K/J3A hflasher@dayton.net

Last month we discussed receivers, antennas and coax. This month topic is dedicated completely to the subject of pre-amplifiers or preamps.

Pre-amplifiers are generally the most important addition to any satellite receive subsystem. HF operators will swear “preamps only amplify noise” but they usually refer to preamps built into the rig itself and not preamps mounted at the antenna. Satellite operators always refer to preamps that are mounted on the antenna mast or boom, and are literally as close to the antenna as feasible.

The primary role of a mast-mounted preamp in a satellite station is to overcome coaxial cable losses and improve the strength of the signal. For example, if you have a 100 foot length of 9913 cable between the 70 cm antenna and radio, the loss from the cable will be almost 3 db (plus probably .5 db for each of the connectors.) This means more than ½ of the signal received at the antenna will be lost by the time it reaches the radio. Considering some smaller satellites are transmitting as little as 10 mw, 3 db of cable loss is not trivial. By inserting a preamp it will boost the signal to overcome the loss. While preamps can increase noise, especially in urban environments, most mast-mounted preamps will help particularly if you hav e smaller beam antennas.

Pre-amplifiers are generally designed for a specific amateur band and optimized to receive signals only in that band. This means if you are planning on working both 2 M and 70 cm you will need two separate preamps. If you think about it this makes sense for two reasons. By limiting itself to a specific band it will reject out of band signals that could saturate the amplifier. It is important to select a preamp optimized for the satellite portion of the band you are using. Also, since you generally have two antennas, one for each band switching a preamp from one antenna to the other would be cumbersome.

There are a number of other factors to consider when choosing a preamp. The first is how to power the preamp, now located far from the shack. Preamps are powered by DC voltage and in many cases, DC power can be provided through the coax from either the radio or by using a bias -T to inject DC into the coax. In some cases you will be required to run DC power up to the preamp separately.

When unpowered the preamp will generally bypass its internal electronics and switch the coax directly to the antenna. It is only when the preamp is powered up that a relay engages and switches the receive signal through the amplifier. If the preamp’s delicate circuitry is not bypassed during transmission it will damage the components that are not designed to handle transmitted power. But be careful – some preamps are sold for “RX ONLY”.

Some rigs will turn off power a few milliseconds before keying up it’s transmitter

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6 Page 7

to allow the preamp to be bypassed. This is a safety feature that allows you to transmit through the preamp while protecting the circuitry. This is also called the Push-To-Talk or PTT method. In other designs the preamp will sense RF coming from the radio and will automatically bypass itself when the power reaches a certain point (also called the VOX method). When selecting a preamp it is important to know which method your preamp uses and make sure it is matched to your rig.

The next factor in selecting a preamp is noise figure. This is the contribution of the device itself to thermal noise in the system. This is typically less than .8 db for devices with GaAsFet amplifiers, but some lower cost preamps that use MMIC devices can be as much as 3.5 db. I was appalled at Dayton to find that one kit vendor was selling a “Low Noise Preamp” that had a noise figure of 5.5 db! That’s a tremendous amount of noise for the satellite signal to overcome. Although you are overcoming 4.5 db loss in your 9913, you are replacing it with 5.5 db of noise! So when selecting a preamp you should consider one that has a lower noise figure. A good GaAsFet preamp will cost a bit more, but the differences are highly noticeable.

The last factor in selecting a preamp is gain. Many preamps will have 20 db or more of gain, so this is not a big problem since even in the worse case (100 feet of RG-58) loss would be about 11 db. However, if you have very good coax, you may want to use a preamp with a lower noise figure and lower gain. A feature in some preamps is adjustable gain, so matching gain to coaxial loss is a good strategy. I prefer to have my preamp adjusted so that the background noise level is at S-0. That way when I see an S-9 signal, I know it is S-9 over the nois e level.

To my knowledge Icom is the only radio manufacturer who offers preamps that are built specifically for their radios. Most people will use an after-market preamp. Here is a list of other preamps and vendors.

Kuhne Electronic GmbH - http://www.kuhne-electronic.de/ - low noise preamps

SSB Electronics – http://www.ssbusa.com : SSB ultra low noise and distributor for Kuhne preamps

Down East Microwave (DEMI) – Low noise preamp kits (note – generally receive only.)

WiMo - http://www.wimo.com/: distributes SSB and MicroSet preamps

The Satellite Beacon: Improving Satellite Reception, Part 2 Emily Clarke WØEEC courtesy of the Project OSCAR Amateur Radio Club

Uncertainty, Technical & Viability Issues Confront BPL ARRL Web Extra courtesy of the American Radio Relay League

A 1/4 wave vertical ground mounted has lobes from 10 to 55 degrees and has gain of approximately 3 to 10 dBd. The lift off angle, which is not often mentioned, is 0.35 wavelength from the base of the antenna, where the current is maximum. This portion should be free and clear of any objects to absorb, reflect or distort the waveform. • At a take off angle of 10 degrees, the isotropic gain is

calculated to be 11.459 dBi. This gain is 11.459 over a isotropic source. In dB, the gain is 10.59 dBd.

• At the 55 degree angle, the gain over an isotropic will be 2.118 dBi or 3.18 dBd.

• At the 45 degree angle, the gain over an isotropic will be 2.546 or 4.116 dBd.

Reasons not often explained are because the ionosphere and the 'D', 'E' layers of high absorption for the low wave angle that a vertical produces. The dBd is in decibels; the dBi is isotropic gain over a isotrope/isotropic sourc e. In the evening when the F layer splits into the F1 and F2 layers, this is where the fun begins. The amount of 15 radials is plentiful for any ground mounted vertical antenna, no matter what anyone else will tell you. Although, you may ad as many as you want, it will do no harm. The cost is very small for the benefit you will derive

— Vito Chiarappa W6TH courtesy of www.eham.net

NEWINGTON, CT, May 25th, 2005 — FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau staff member Bill Cross, W3TN, told the FCC Forum at Dayton Hamvention May 21 that there's "still a lot of uncertainty surrounding BPL — its technical and financial viability, where, how and if it will fit into the communications future." Cross works in the WTB's Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division, and much of his work directly involves the Amateur Radio Service. Devoting nearly a quarter of his remarks to the standing-room-only audience to BPL, Cross discussed various aspects of the FCC's October 14, 2004, Report and Order in ET Docket 04-37. The R&O established new Part 15 rules to implement BPL systems. Cross said the Commission's expressed a lot of "potentials" and "coulds" in outlining its rational for promoting BPL as another competing broadband pipeline.

"Whether BPL catches on will be a decision made by economics, both for those who want to provide the service and consumers who have to decide it is better for them than other broadband services," Cross said. He also said the FCC recognizes BPL's potential to interfere with Amateur Radio and other radio services.

Also note that BPL is coming on the scene, at best, as the fifth player in a field already crowded with heavy hitters," he said. "Currently we have cable, satellite, non-satellite wireless broadband and telephone lines available and providing broadband service." Cross said telephone companies already are looking at installing fiber optic cable to the home to expand available bandwidth for consumers. At the same time, he said, cable companies "have been spending gazillions of dollars upgrading their

(W3TN Continued on page 8)

Page 8

UN HQ station 4U1UN is expected to be QRV. W1CX & KT1J will be the operators, running primarily RTTY & PSK31, possibly some 60 meter SSB. QSL via HB9BOU — KT1J

Fourteen special event stations will be QRV before and during the 17th Maccabiah Games in Israel, from 21 June through 21 July. Look for 4X17M, 4X17A, 4X17C, 4X17B, 4X17I, 4X17H, 4Z17M, 4Z17A, 4Z17C, 4Z17B, 4Z17I, 4Z17H, 4X17MG, and 4Z17M . A special award will be issued by the Israel ARC for contacting these stations, information available on their web site at http://www.iarc.org/~4z4tl/Maccabiah17_main.htm . QSL via 4Z4TL — 4Z4TL

Some questions have been raised over the ARRL DXCC desk’s handling of certain QSL cards submitted for the VU4NRO and VU4RBI operatons. NC1L issued the following statement to clarify the situation: “A few cards have been rejected on the basis of incomplete information on the cards. We apologize to Bharathi, NIAR, et.al. for any misunderstandings. If you received a QSL card complete with all data (time, date, band, mode and callsign), there is no problem. If you have a QSL card with less than complete data (callsign only, missing time/date, etc.) we will need to see the card at HQ. This is usual procedure. Blank cards and cards missing information are always subject to inspection at HQ. Do not add the missing information. As always we strive to maintain the highest integrity possible in the DXCC program. Ms. Prasad has graciously agreed to supply additional log information where necessary. If you have only an incomplete card, do not alter the card by filling in the missing information. Simply send us the card, and we w ill try to obtain the fill. If you expect a direct QSL, it would be easier on everyone involved if you would wait for the direct card" — ARRL

Although there have been reports that many of the other Vatican City stations are now QRT, we are reminded that HV5PUL, the amateur radio station located at the Pontifical Lateran University, is still “active and in good health.” Cards should be sent to HV5PUL, c/o Pontificia Universita' Lateranense, Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano 4, 00120 Citta' del Vaticano — IWØDJB

KH2X will be QRV from Guam during the IOTA Contest 30—31 July. QSL via KH2X — KH2X

W2GD will be QRV as P4ØW during the CQ WW DX CW Contest 26—27 November. He will also be QRV on the WARC Bands & 160 Meters prior to the contest. QSL via N2MM — W2GD

N9AG / J68AS, W8QID / J68ID and J6/WB9CIF will be QRV from St. Lucia June 21st to July 5th. Their activity will be mostly 6 meters, RTTY and 160 meters but all bands are available. QSL to their home callsigns — OPDX

G3SWH is now the manager for 9J2CA. QSL Direct or via Buro — G3SWH

WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS

Thanks to the NJDXA DX News & DX Chat Reflectors, the DX-QSL Reflector, 425 DX News, OPDX News, Diamond DX Club News, ICPO Bulletin, & ARRL DX Bulletin for our DX News information. Thanks also to Bill Moore NC1L / ARRL DXCC Desk, & Bernie McClenny W3UR /The Daily DX for confirmations & additional information.

3D2NA via JK1FNL – JJ1BDX 3D2RR via HA8IB – DE1DXX 3GØYP via LA6EIA – JJ1BDX 4K9W via DL6KVA – RA3SL 4S7VK via DJ9ZB – W2IRT 4U1UN via HB9BOU – NKØS 5N99MSV via OK1JR – RA3SL 5T/F5VHH via ON4CKY – N1NK 6G1KK via W5UE – W5UE 7P8DA via K4YL – K4WW 8J1MOK via 7N4JZK – NKØS 8Q7DV via UA9CLB – N1NK 8R1AKN via EA4BQ – N1NK 9J2CA via G3SWH – G3SWH 9K2MU via WA4JTK – W2IRT 9L1MS via IZØEGB – DE1DXX CO2TK via F5CWU – VA7EWK CO8LY via EA7ADH – CO8LY CU2M via DL5AXX – PT7WA CW4A via EA5KJB – RA3SL CX6VM via W3HNK – WØMM

D7ØYT/5 via HL5BDD – W2IRT DU3NXE via W3HNK – WØMM DU8UTC via EA7FTR – RW4NM FR1AN via N5FTR – 9K2HN FT5WJ via F5BU – W8GC KH8SI via VE3HO – W3AWU OC4WW via EA4BQ – N1NK S79OA via RN3OA – N1NK S92JHF via SMØJHF – RA3SL ST2BF via W3HNK – W2IRT T88MC via JA3MCA – JJ1BDX TT8DX via F5OGL – W9OL UAØFZ via W3HNK – WØMM V73KJ via JA1KJW – N1NK VP5VAC via WA4JTK – VA7EWK XF4IH via XE1IH – K4WES XR8IARU via CE3AA – W3UR YI1EM via EA7FTR – W6DX YZ1E via YT1WW – W2IRT ZD7F via DL9GFB – RA3SL ZK1SDE via M3SDE – W2IRT

QSL Routes

(W3TN Continued from page 7)

systems to digital systems so they can provide services other than traditional TV service."

Citing the current heavy level of advertising and even price-cutting by industry players for a bigger piece of a "fixed pot of dollars," Cross asked, "Where does BPL fit in?" Cross said he didn't believe anyone was now getting a barrage of offers for BPL-provided services. "Nor will we be anytime soon, from what I have read in the communications press."

Cross pointed out that FCC Part 15 rules require that licensed radio services such as Amateur Radio must be protected from harmful interference. He also noted that the FCC was careful to carve out reservations and set specific prohibitions regarding BPL deployment on certain parts of the spectrum allocated to federal government users, in addition to imposing some strict requirements to mitigate interference.

"You wonder, with all these restrictions — including some that prohibit BPL deployment in what appear to be very profitable areas — a reasonable question might be, "Who would want to go into this business?"

The current tug of war, he said, is between the three or four companies interested in BPL— who want less onerous restrictions — and the ARRL and other users who don't believe the restrictions go far enough. Both sides have filed petitions for reconsideration.

"Those petitions are pending, and whatever is decided on them will affect the final rules for BPL and may very well affect its viability," Cross concluded.

Regarding Amateur Radio proceedings now before the Commission, Cross was unable to pin down for FCC Forum attendees when they might expect to see a Notice of Proposed Rule Making in response to 18 petitions for rule making filed by ARRL, other Amateur Radio organizations and individual licensees. The primary hot-button issue in that proceeding is the future of the Morse code requirement for access to HF amateur bands. The FCC also is considering proposals to create a new entry-level license class and to implement some additional Amateur Radio license restructuring, including automatic upgrades from Technician to General and Advanced to Extra.

Cross said he anticipates the FCC w ill combine the 18 petitions into one NPRM and invite another round of comments from the amateur community. "I suspect the proposed rule making will be coming out in late summer or this fall," Cross said. The comment period could extend into early 2006, he added, after which a Report and Order would be written.

DX News Briefs DX News Briefs Special Broadcast to Special Broadcast to Commemorate Debut of FM Commemorate Debut of FM

ARRL Web Extra courtesy of the American Radio Relay League

A special commemorative FM broadcast June 11th and 12th will mark the 70th anniversary of Major Edwin H. Armstrong's first public demonstration of wideband frequency modulation (FM). The broadcast June 11th and June 12th will emanate from Armstrong's 400-foot-tall experimental tower in Alpine, New Jersey, overlooking the Hudson River.

An area landmark that also served several New York City broadcasters in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center, the gigantic structure now is owned by CSC Management Inc, headed by Charles Sackerman Jr. He and Steve Hemphill, WA3ZAE, owner of Solid Electronics Laboratories — a Pennsylvania broadcast equipment manufacturer —have secured a Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC to conduct the FM broadcast on Armstrong's original frequency of 42.8 MHz at a power of 250 W ERP. They'll use the experimental/STA call sign WA2XMN, reminiscent of Armstrong's W2XMN call sign.

The program itself will consist of David Ossman's dramatic production of "Empire of the Air," based on the book by Tom Lewis. They also plan to air excerpts from a 1941 test broadcast between member stations of the original New England Yankee Network, featuring actual voice recordings of Armstrong, Yankee Network Chief Engineer Paul deMars and others. They'll also rebroadcast the final signoff of Armstrong's pioneer FM station W2XMN/KE2XCC.

The station went silent February 25, 1954, following Armstrong's death by suicide. A streaming webcast of the commemorative broadcast is also planned; details are not yet available, however. Information about the June commemorative broadcast and the Alpine tower site is available on the CSC Management Web site, www.csgmgmt.com .

Page 9 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6

WASH ClassifiedsWASH Classifieds Information shown here is as supplied to the WASHRag. Condition as stated, and all sales should be considered “as-is” unless otherwise noted. All subject to prior sale or withdrawal from sale at the owner’s discretion. All responsibility for this information lies with the source and not the WASHRag or the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.

HAM RADIO INSURANCE ASSOCIATES, INC.

P.O. Box 201 Canonsburg, PA 15317-0201

Toll-Free 1-800-545-8881

Fax: (412) 746-5944 gallina@usaor.net

“All-Risk” Amateur Radio Equipment Insurance Plan for: Radio Equipment Computer Equipment Antennas Rotors & Towers Computer Media & Software Cellular Telephones Mechanical Breakdown & Electrical Damage Coverage

DeRose Marketing International "Healthy Living Technologies" Featuring Living Air, Living Water, & the soon to be released WindTree. Suffering from Allergies, Asthma, Headaches, Pet Odors, Smoke, or Bad Tasting Tap Water? Call for a FREE in-home demo and 3-day trial of Living Air and Living Water. Kevin F. DeRose N3KFD 1-866-754-1331 Toll Free Overview 1-724-348-6892 Office kfderose@ecoquestintl.com www.ecoquestintl.com/kfderose

OGS Distributing — Embroidered Apparel, Printed Apparel, Dash Plaques, Award Plaques, Vinyl Graphics, Cyclo Polisher, Car Detailing Supplies. Dan KB3HVN, 6571 Zupancic Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15236, Phone (412) 655-8787, Fax (503) 218-1441, or visit the on-line catalog at http://www.onlygoodstuff.com

Precision Reproductions & Supply Company — Reprographics, Equipment & Supplies for the Architect, Draftsman, Engineer, Contractor & Surveyor. Hank Marzina KB3FNM, 339 Regis Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15236, Phone (412) 655-3700, Fax (412) 655-3702

FCC News FCC News ARRL Web Extra & ARRL Letter, courtesy American Radio Relay League

NEWINGTON, CT, May 27th, 2005 — The FCC Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) is launching the Consumer Information Registry, an expanded and improved e-mail service that will deliver customized information about the FCC's actions and related developments in telecommunications and other communications services.

The Registry is an Internet database that can be customized to deliver information on whatever topics the subscriber chooses," the FCC said in a news release today. Among the many choices are "Amateur Radio and Related Interests" and "Ham Radio." The topic checklist also includes Broadcast TV and Cable TV, but subscribers can also specify topics not on the list. Acting CGB Chief Monica Desai says the FCC is "delighted to be able to offer this valuable tool to everyone interested in communications issues." She says FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin has expressed an interest in ensuring that consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of the best communications system in the world. "I believe the Consumer Information Registry has the potential to play an important role in achieving that goal," she added.

The sign-up information is on the FCC CGB Web site, http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/contacts/. Subscribers will be asked to indicate the subjects on which they wish to receive information. The service is free, and subscribers may unsubscribe at any time

Nebraska Bill Would Effectively Nebraska Bill Would Effectively Prohibit BPLProhibit BPL ARRL Web Extra & ARRL Letter, courtesy American Radio Relay League

NEWINGTON, CT, June 3rd, 2005 — Nebraska's unicameral legislature has passed a bill supported by telecommunications interests to ban "agencies, political subdivisions and public power suppliers" from providing any broadband, Internet, telecommunications or video services. This would include broadband over power line (BPL). The "Unicam," as it's called, approved the measure, LB 645, by a vote of 37-8-4.

"So it's time for rejoicing, ARRL Nebraska State Government Liaison Bob Mitchell, WBØRJJ," said. "BPL is dead in Nebraska for this year!"

ARRL Nebraska Section Manager Matthew Anderson, KA ØBOJ, hailed the bill's passage as "great news." He also extended congratulations to the Nebraska Section team for its work in securing passage for the measure. "All of our contacts, letters, e-mails, phone calls and personal visits have paid off," he said. "This is indeed a great day for ham radio in Nebraska."

Mitchell said even if LB 645 is overturned next year, he believes BPL by then "will have been superseded by superior technology that will not pollute the RF environment." The measure now goes to Gov David Heineman for his signature. Mitchell said it's unlikely that the governor would veto the bill.

The legislation also creates a Broadband Services Task Force to study--among other things--"The need and necessity for the provision of wholesale broadband services, Internet services, telecommunications services or video services by agencies or political subdivisions of the state and public power suppliers." The task force will report to the legislature, the governor, and the Unicam's Natural Resources and Transportation and Telecommunications committees by December 1, 2006.

The "final reading" text of the bill is available via the Unicam's Web site, http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/.

As of May 14, 2000: • Novice - 49,329 • Tech/+ - 334,254 • General - 112,677 • Advanced - 99,782 • Extra - 78,750 Total all classes - 674,792

As of June 1, 2005 • Novice - 28,362 • Tech/+ - 317,692 • General - 136,570 • Advanced - 76,113 • Extra - 106,718 Total All Classes - 665,455

Numbers of Licensed US Amateurs Numbers of Licensed US Amateurs Statistics courtesy of George McCouch K3UD

51 51 st st AnnualAnnual Breezeshooter’s HamfestBreezeshooter’s Hamfest

Sunday, June 5 th, 2005 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sponsored by the Breezeshooters

Butler Farm Show Grounds / Roe Airport, State Route 66, Butler PA (The Farm Show Grounds are West of Butler between Butler and Evans City)

Talk-In on W3UDX/R 147.360+ Repeater

Prize Tickets $2.00 Each, 3/$5.00, 7/$10, 15/$20 For more information & updated list of 2005 Hamfest Prizes please go to

http://www.breezeshooters.net/hamfest/hamfest.htm

North Hills ARC HamfestNorth Hills ARC Hamfest Sunday, July 10th 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Northland Public Library, Cumberland Road, Wexford Between McKnight Road & Perry Highway (Route 19)

Talk-in on 147.090 MHz For more information, go to http://www.nharc.pgh.pa.us

Seventh Annual Seventh Annual WASH Picnic WASH Picnic at the at the Breezeshooter’s HamfestBreezeshooter’s Hamfest

Sunday, June 5th, 2005 from approximately 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM At the WASH Location Somewhere in the Flea Market

(Look for us in the vicinity of the Grandstand — the Hex Beam will be up, weather & location permitting!) Spend the morning meeting your fellow WPA & Regional Hams, buying or selling stuff & dodging

roving golf carts full of Breezeshooters — then join your fellow WASH members for lunch, friendship, bragging rights, and (if operational) operating N3SH/3 from the Flea Market.

This will be a “Pot Luck/Covered Dish” Picnic — The Club will be providing Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Soft Drinks. We’re asking everyone coming to bring a side dish, snacks, dessert, ice, or whatever

they can. Contact Ron WN3VAW wn3vaw @ njdxa.org to coordinate who’s bringing what.

There is no charge to attend (outside of bringing something to share) but the picnic is not open to the general public, only WASH members (including their families), friends & invited guests.

WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. Membership Application/Renewal for 2005

I would like to join WASH!. I am interested in the following type of membership: ¨ New Membership ¨ Membership Renewal (check quarter ) ¨ ¨ 1st Qtr ¨ ¨ 2nd Qtr ¨ ¨ 3rd Qtr ¨ ¨ 4th Qtr (check one ) Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sept Oct-Dec ¨ (F1) Full Membership: $20.00 $15.00 $10.00 $5.00 ¨ (F2) Full Membership < 18 or > 65 yrs of age: $10.00 $7.50 $5.00 $2.50 ¨ (A1) Associate Membership: $10.00 $7.50 $5.00 $2.50 ¨ (FM1) Family Membership (F1 or F2 or A1 dues x 20% x No. of household family members): $

Name(s): Name: Call Sign: Address: License Class: City, State: Expires On: Home Phone: Work Phone: Email Address: Birthday: New Members Only: ARRL Member? ¨ Yes ̈ No Family ARRL Member? ¨ Yes ¨ No ¨ I do NOT want to be added to the Club E-Mail Reflector ¨ I do NOT want to be added to the Electronic Newsletter Mailing List Date: [If you have an Email address, you Will be added to both lists UNLESS you choose to Opt-Out] Amount Enclosed: $ Signature:

Please make your check or money order payable to the club treasurer, Mark Stabryla. The Wireless Association of South Hills, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject new memberships or renewals.

Please return completed membership form along with check/money order to the club treasurer or mail to:

WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. c/o Mark Stabryla N3RDV, VP/Treasurer

1120 McKnight Drive Bethel Park, PA 15102-2456

Join the American Radio Relay League or Renew Your Membership through the

WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.

Members of the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS can start a new membership or renew an existing membership in the American Radio Relay League, the National Organization of Radio Amateurs, through the club.

Benefits for you: Joining and participating in everything the League has to offer, including a QST subscription. Benefits for the club: A few more shekels for our coffers.

Just fill out the form below, include a check or money order made out to WASH/ARRL, and return all to the club treasurer or mail to:

WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. c/o Mark Stabryla N3RDV, VP/Treasurer

1120 McKnight Drive Bethel Park, PA 15102-2456

Name: Call Sign: Address: Date of Birth: City, State, ZIP: Total Enclosed: $ Please Check the Appropriate One-Year Rate: ¨ $39 in US ¨ Additional Family Members at the same address ($8 per family member)

¨ Age 65 or older, $36 in US

¨ Age 21 or younger, $20 in US (only if you are the oldest licensed amateur in your household) Name & Call Sign:

¨ Canada $49

¨ Elsewhere $62 Name & Call Sign:

¨ Other (including Blind, Life, QST by First Class Postage — please contact ARRL for rate

Dues subject to change without notice Name & Call Sign:

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Happy Anniversary! Dave K3LGM & his wife Jane standing by

their “trusty Explorer” outside the University of Dayton dorms during our trip to the 2005 Dayton Hamvention, Sunday Morning, May

22nd… their 29th Wedding Anniversary!

More Hamvention Photos Inside!

Photos courtesy of & ©Copyright 2005 Jacqué Gosselin N3ZEL

The WASHRag Wireless Association of South Hills, Inc. Ron Notarius WN3VAW, Editor 946 Sleepy Hollow Road Castle Shannon, PA 15234-2222